w that he was an
enemy--could probably take a shot at him.

He tried every maneuver that he knew to draw the shot, while he yet lay
in ambush, but none succeeded. His wary enemy knew every ruse. Had it
not been for the shadowy head, yet visible in the moonlight, Ned might
have concluded that he had gone. He had now been behind the tree a full
half hour, and during all that time he had not heard a single sound from
his foe. The singular situation, so unusual in its aspect, and so real
in its danger, began to get upon his nerves.

He thought at last of something which he believed would draw the fire of
the ambushed Mexican. He carried a pistol as well as a rifle, and,
carefully laying the cocked rifle by his side, he drew the smaller
weapon. Then he crept about the tree, purposely making a little noise.
He saw the shadowy head move, and he knew that his enemy was seeking a
shot. He heard for the first time a slight sound, and he could tell from
it exactly where the man lay.

Raising his pistol he fired, and the bark flew from the right side of
the tree. A man instantly sprang out, rifle in hand, and rushed toward
him expecting to take him, unarmed. Like a flash Ned seized his own
cocked rifle and covered the man. When he looked down the sights he saw
that it was Urrea.

Urrea halted, taken by surprise. His own rifle was not leveled, and Ned
held his life at his gun muzzle.

"Stop, Don Francisco, or I fire," said the boy. "I did not dream that it
was you, and I am sorry that I was wrong."

Urrea recovered very quickly from his surprise. He did not seek to raise
his rifle, knowing that it was too late.

"Well," he said, "why don't you fire?"

"I don't know," replied Ned.

"I would do it in your place."

"I know it, but there is a difference between us and I am glad of that
difference, egotistical as it may sound."

"There is another difference which perhaps you do not have in mind. You
are a Texan, an American, and I am a Mexican. That is why I came among
you and claimed to be one of you. You were fools to think that I,
Francisco Urrea, could ever fight for Texas against Mexico."

"It seems that we were," said Ned.

Urrea laughed somewhat scornfully.

"There are some Mexicans born here in Texas who are so foolish," he
said, "but they do not know Mexico. They do not know the greatness of
our nation, or the greatness of Santa Anna. What are your paltry numbers
against us? You will fail here against San Anton